An hour air travel; almost half day bus
trip; unfeasible sea passage; and a lifetime dream – for him who was once a witness
of Manila’s hostage crises, a window shopper during the many bomb threats in
malls and a victim of street pick pockets; for him who had no choice but to
stay for work, tolerate his abusive employer and continue providing for the
family; and for him who just turned to a poor bridge over the troubled water of
urbanism and had no idea how he can actually be with the water, enjoy the days
and live life at its best – here in Ilocos
Norte!

1. Bracing experience at Adams

“Bokarot,” word
uttered by my father if asked where to spend one busy day, which never seemed good
to my judgmental auditory nor looked a place of worth to my very particular
eyes (though I never got a chance to visit it). Since then, I just leaved this I-do-not-want-to-mention place (as it
really sounds scary) to my father’s interest. The bubbles of curiosity disappeared
but the stain of ignorance remained years.

Until
the town of Adams struck my notes in elementary’s HKS (History). I can still
remember how my father, his friends and old folks answered my, once again, curiosity.
They talked about this new-in-my-vocabulary
municipality of Ilocos Norte in terms like “remote,” “forest,” “refreshing,” “cool,” “hanging bridges” and a
suggestion, “better use a two-wheeled
vehicle in going to,” because of its close-to-inaccessibility road features.

A vivid
picture of previous black-and-white Adams was developed then during my high
school years. That wasn’t through innovations – HD images, powerpoint
presentations, etc. Instead, it’s the more-than-innovative
discussions to stories of my biology teacher, Mrs. V, that helped me to
understand – the ecosystem, kingdom animalia, plantae, and our environment –
what we call science! She once described Adams as rich in natural resources,
with their mountain and forests where we can find uncommon floras and faunas. I
also learned that her husband, a head teacher in Adams high school, also drives
the town with his motorcycle (in the same reason above).

Then
later, I just discovered that “Bokarot”
is a sitio in Adams where you can actually take pleasure mountain biking in the
area. Wow! This only shows that the farming get-up of my father whenever he
goes to the place (when I was still a child), had gone a long way of nonsense
stereotyping. I mean, the place is such a paradise for me to overlook it.

Adams
is located in the northeastern part of Ilocos Norte. It consists of only one
barangay with less than 6,000 feet counts. The place doubles the virginity of
even combined neighboring towns Pagudpud and Bangui. If awe comes after seeing
the forests of the two other towns, awe joins inspiring after discovering the
exquisiteness of Adams rainforests. The town also showcases not one, two or
three but eight extraordinary waterfalls. Two of which, being admired by comers
and goers, are the 25-feet Anuplig and Kanayupan. Likewise, the stretch of Bolo
river which starts in Adams and ends in Bangui is very much abundant with scrumptious,
province pride fishes, shrimps and shells. Trekking Mt. Palemlem (Mt. Pico de
Loro), the highest peak in Ilocos Norte, is a favorite in Adams too. Many
mountaineers had been dumbfounded – specifically after coming across the
challenges the place has to offer, going breathless in exhilaration and lastly,
tramping the cold expanse of Adams, not just because of the high altitude but
also radiation (experiencing heat loss after exposure to secluded area which is
of greater force or power opposite yours, that is with the same feeling when
entering an abandoned mansion where one mistakenly refers this to the presence
of ghosts or other supernatural entity).

Kayaking
and rubber tubing in Bolo; rock climbing, rappelling and cliff diving the hard
goodness of Adams; mountain biking their sitios; and simply strolling under the
wide, accommodating, canopy-forming, century old trees! You can all enjoy these
in loaded, blessed Adams!

2. Water flurries at Pagudpud

It was
a struggling caterpillar at first. Finding ways, begging for love, waiting for
the sun. After hardships and efforts, it turned to pupa, getting itself ready
for tomorrow, for another coming of the sun. Until its wings formed. From
peeking, to crawling, then soaring. And now everyone’s running after its
promises! They want to see it! They want to catch it! Truly, Pagudpud have gone
this far. Glad, I witnessed Pagudpud’s metamorphosis – its adventure, its fly
to fame!

Pagudpud
has a different impact on me when I was still in grade school. I always get
excited every time they call for a picnic in Pagudpud. Because it would mean a
grand gathering, a lot of food, and fun! From birthday celebrations to family
get-togethers. If Bolo river nearby our house was just a palamig, Pagudpud was a halo-halo
for me with three scoops of ice cream – ube, choco and vanilla!

One
time, relatives of my father’s brother in law invited us in Barangay Caunayan,
a fishing village in Pagudpud. The place got a lot of potential. It was like
Saud beach with white sands, nice shells and plenty of coconut trees around. But
Caunayan had a rugged look – that is, Saud like a man wearing shades, v-neck
white shirt, walk shorts in his shades
and crocs, flaunting style and class while Caunayan like a man in black jacket and
cargo pants in combat boots, giving in the other hand, the thrill or the
so-called “kick”. This is because the barangay has wider coconut area, rougher
sands and scattered twigs around. Of course, the welcoming folks served us during
the picnic the best of their catches! As usual, I was delighted with the grilled
fishes!

Pagudpud
is located in the northern most part of Ilocos Norte and northwestern part of
the country. It may not be an island alone but its coast is comparable to
Palawan, Hawaii, and every beach-proud regions of the globe. Like Adams,
entering Pagudpud, immediately after the arc, one can feel coolness and
calmness. That aside from prominent beaches, canopy-forming century old trees which
shield the sometimes-irritating
tentacles of the sun, hilly areas which trap the playful air and the long-sticks-turned-fans-above coconut
trees which reenergize breezes and create delightful ambiance are also gracing
up this lowland heaven. It is not impossible then that Pagudpud is recommended
by backpackers and foreigners, endorsed by the DOT and recognized by many – through
awards, the Herald Sun (specifically Saud Beach) and other publicities.

Savoring
the eyes isn’t Pagudpud’s only promise now but also uplifting the souls. Indeed,
Pagudpud has upgraded. From just a mere glance and touch or just a free taste of
the menu before, 0ne can now actually indulge in the unlimited sumptuousness of
the paradise. Swimming as an all-time favorite during summer will never be a form
of penance in Pagudpud (especially this holy week) because doing such will just
violate one of the seven deadly sins – envy! And surfing, as looked forward by adventurers
and tourists, is a special add-on in visiting the place’ boredom-killer waves!

But the
major major attraction one shouldn’t miss is Hannah’s beach resort and convention
center located near-or-almost Blue Lagoon, 20 minutes away from Saud. The less
than 5 years established refreshment is situated few steps from the beach and
few walks from the hill. There’s this lookout where one can afford a
breathtaking view of the immaculate environment. The resort is equipped of
swimming pools, billiards and a cozy bar. It has also a wide beach front of
about 40 feet of ivory white sands before water – perfect to revel in driving
their all-terrain vehicles (ATV). Boating? Speed boats, kayaks, pedal boats,
rubber boats and banana boats – name it! All of these amenities in this hot-in-the-mind but cold-in-the-feeling spot!

So why
not open this gift of God before Easter come!

3. Lurching spree at Sand Dunes

Ilocos
Norte is one of the hottest provinces in the Philippines, in more than one
sense – being the Marcos country, the home of superb tourist spots and the
cradle of the Sunshine City, Laoag!

Laoag
City, the capital of Ilocos Norte, records a substantial high temperature which
can reach 30 degrees Celsius during the hot season. This is attributed, not
just to global warming, but also to the city’s considerable huge population
which includes both the residing and non-residing people contributing in the
emission of carbon dioxide and decibels of noise. Therefore, anything that
protects and rejuvenates us from a rampant sun – sunblock, sunglass, umbrella,
cap, fan, cotton shirt, music, hammock, juice, ice cream, etc. – are very
useful to survive an insipid day. But these are already outdated. Everyone
wants something new, inimitable and spanking!

Actually, there’s an area being snubbed in the quieter eastern part. I wonder how it became
unheeded to many despite its openness, its accessibility. Maybe, it has been
associated to Middle East’ account – hot and hot! But actually, it is more than
that! Sand Dunes of Laoag City is an alternative to go to for a tedious day.

Yes,
the sun is still there but there’s no such thing as partiality to this heavenly
body. I mean, the sun has its multiple rays to deliver life and energy to every
part of the world – equally, immeasurably and unbiasedly. Now, the warmth in a certain place is just modified by the clouds, trees, people, factories and chemicals.
And for Sand Dunes, the absence of trees and increased activities of the people
imposes a warmer feeling due to less air current and increased metabolism
respectively.

But
isn’t it that it is more worthwhile if feeling intense because of liveliness
and leisure interest than walking the corners of the city, that if so, you’ll
go and buy something cold which is just temporary compared to the experience
you can treasure in Sand Dunes?

Sand
Dunes set off the wide area of sand ridges from Laoag and end in Paoay. It
became famous because it is where international and local movies were filmed.
Its imperfect but realistic feature makes everyone their choice over Middle
East’. The place is like a chocnut,
so real, so Pinoy! It’s not a toblerone, reese’s or kisses! Nor like Bohol’s
Chocolate Hills that exhibit lavishness and is limited to the eye. That is, Ilocos Norte's chocnut mounds, through sand boarding
and 4-wheel driving, can be tasted, can be experienced!

4. Zipline adventure at Banna

Banna, a place where cousins of my cousins lived. I had been there a few times because I used to go with them, when I was still a
child. Then… boom! So sudden, I never got the chance to visit it again.

Describing
the place where once in my life I strolled, stayed and enjoyed childhood is of
great mango trees. I had enjoyed climbing the trees – old, vast but not exuding
elevation. They are just within my reach. I can freely move up, down and jump! And as a child, having this
experience is very satisfying.

The place has forests too. It is just that, their municipality is very far from my hometown. It is located south of Ilocos Norte while I was in the north in my entire life. Hence, hopping over the place and enjoy what it
has to offer is not that easy.

Then... So? What? I have nothing to say much about the place. Indeed, I, we, have still to discover Banna!

And for
how many years of waiting, I heard Banna again! It was just several echoes before
but with the determination to create an effect, the sounds had been arranged
and now being played and called music. Yes, they call it being too ambitious by
travelers, detractors and those who don’t believe to the capabilities of
Ilocanos. But see, we made it! Such a promise that we lived for it and now
bringing to every pleasure-seekers out there – the zipline adventure in Paraiso ti Caribquib, Banna! A 17 seconds trip to...

You should try it first and let us name where we just had a jolt of happiness!

5. Town cruising around Ilocos

From
just the aforementioned destinations, truly Ilocos Norte is rich, one of a
kind, perfect! What's more if I’ll tour you around the province!

Aside
from Pagudpud and Adams, the north covers the town of Bangui, where one can
view the astonishing Windmills, visit the mountain resort in Barangay Lanao,
hike the Abang Falls where once a Philippine eagle landed some time in 2006, trek
the sitios of remote barangays discovering pristine rivers and cascades and
behold the golden ricefields of the town; Burgos, the municipality where historic
Cape Bojeador and magnificent wonder Kapurpurawan
white rock formations can be found; and Pasuquin, a fishing village, known for their salt industry, Dumadara (a kind of fish) festival, the
unparalleled bread recipe of biscocho
and spelunking their caves. One can also gaze the Sinking Bell Tower, stay in
Java Hotel and tour the Ilocos Norte Museum in Laoag City.

While
the eastern part comprises San Nicolas, known for pottery and
kiosk-making industry as well as the first true mall in Ilocos, the Robinsons –
Ilocos Norte; Piddig, where one can also stroll and ramble their virgin
forests and where I tasted great home made ice creams – go Pinoy with avocado,
go trendy with cookies and cream and go crazy with the chili ice cream, my
first ever encounter of this flavor; Dingras, the hometown of Girls Scout
of the Philippines founder Josefa Llanes Escoda and the famous rice granary of
the north; Sarrat, the location of the 105 meter long Santa Monica church; and Solsona,
a great place for river trekking and sightseeing of the glorious Ilocos-Apayao
Road.

And the
south of Ilocos Norte embraces Batac, the new city in the province,
where we can see Marcos Mausoleum, the World Peace Center – office of
Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos and at the same time a picture gallery of the
Marcoses, that seeing the place feels like time travelling; Paoay, the town of the
UNESCO heritage, St. Augustine Church and the Malacañang of the North
overviewing Paoay lake; and Currimao, another beach town of Ilocos
Norte with darker sands and more cliffs in the shoreline, plus resorts, Playa
and Pangil.